BRCTC attempts to take scare out of ACA

March 27, 2014

MARTINSBURG - When Blue Ridge Community and Technical College officials partnered with other governmental entities to answer last-minute questions about the Affordable Care Act, it could have been just another routine meeting, even though the March 31 registration deadline is getting closer.

But Wednesday night's session - which attracted about a dozen participants, many of whom later met with counselors for additional help - was informational and lively, thanks to the personal questions poised to presenters, including a federal administrator who traveled from Philadelphia to speak at the event.

Dr. Jean Bennett, regional administrator for Region III of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, praised audience members - as well as state officials - for taking an interest in the ACA.

In addition to explaining some of the new healthcare coverage benefits, including coverage for young adults up to age 26, Bennett also explained how Medicare benefits will be strengthened, as well as how many uninsured West Virginians will soon have healthcare coverage.

Ana Frometa, a nursing student, said she understands the risks associated with being uninsured. As a result, she had decided to sign up and would soon have verification of that coverage.

"Even if you are young and healthy, you just never know when something might happen. And medical bills can get very expensive," she said.

Martinsburg resident Joyce Triggs, who accompanied her son to the session, said she worries about him not currently having medical insurance.

"I am glad they had this meeting, because I think a lot of people are worried but don't necessarily know what to do. This is all so new and it hasn't been easy to understand, so it helps to talk to someone one on one," Triggs said.

Blue Ridge vice president of human resources Justin Ruble said the school had been approached by the White House about hosting the session.

"And when you get asked by the White House, you know it's the right thing to do," he said with a chuckle.

During the discussion, individuals asked a variety of questions - many dealing with their own personal situations. Others talked about problems getting through the online application process, including an Inwood resident who said he received different premiums for his coverage even though he'd put in the same data each time.

A woman expressed concern about the affordability of insurance under the new federal law, especially since there is only one insurance provider participating in West Virginia.

"I just think if they would bring more providers into the state's marketplace it would mean competition and lower premiums for us," she said.

Some people also questioned whether it would be cheaper to pay a federal fine to be levied against those who don't sign up for healthcare insurance.

Sara Koontz of Shenandoah Community Health Center, who has spent the past few months helping sign people understand - and sign up for - the new coverage, said she understood audience members' concerns.

For example, Koontz said some people may decide to forgo insurance or obtain it through an insurance agency if the ACA premiums are too expensive.

"In the end, some people may decide it is not only too expensive, but that it would be more cost-effective for them to pay the fine. That's up to you and is your decision. We're not here to tell you what to do, we're just here to help and answer questions," Koontz said.

Once the current enrollment period closes March 31, there will not be another one until Nov. 19, but that doesn't mean individuals can't change their mind about coverage if they experience a life-changing event such as losing a job with benefits, she said.

"But it is true that we're getting down to the last days of this open enrollment," Koontz said.

Individuals who enroll now and pay their premium will have coverage beginning May 1.